Tuesday, 1 June 2010

HISTORY.Kraków is one of the oldest cities in Poland, with evidence showing settlements there since 20,000 BC. Legend has it that it was built on the cave of a dragon whom the mythical King Krak had slain. However, the first official mention of the name was in 966 by a Jewish merchant from Spain, who described it as an important centre of trade in Slavonic Europe.Through trade with the various rulers of Europe, it grew from a small settlement in 1000AD to a large wealthy city, belonging to the Vistulans. However, through the 9th and 10th centuries, it fell under the influence of the Great Moravians, then the Bohemians, before being captured by the Piast Dynasty of Poland. In 1038, Kazimierz the Restorer made Krakow the capital of Poland.In 1241, the city was almost entirely destroyed by Tatars. It was rebuilt to a design that remains largely unchanged to the present day. However, after more successful attacks by the Mongols in the late 13th century, Kazimierz the Great set about defending the city. Walls, fortifications, and the original Wawel Castle were added. The University was also established. King Kazimierz established the district of Kazimierz for Jews to live in free from persecution. This area remained mainly Jewish for centuries until the Nazi occupation.The 16th century was Krakow's golden age. Under the influence of the joint Polish-Lithuanian Jagiellonian dynasty, Krakow became a centre of science and the arts. In 1569, Poland was officially united with Lithuania and as a result government activity started to move to Warsaw. King Zygmunt III officially moved the capital in 1609.However, the 17th century was a return to troubled times for Krakow and Poland. After being invaded by Russians, Prussians, Austrians, Transylvanians, Swedes, and the French, it went through a phase of various forms of political control. These included being part of the Duchy of Warsaw, established by Napoleon, and becoming an "independent city". However, it mostly fell under the sphere of influence of the Austrian Habsburg Empire, in the province of Galicia.In the First World War, Józef Pilsudski set out to liberate Poland and the Treaty of Versailles (1919) established an independent sovereign Polish state for the first time in more than 100 years. This lasted until the Second World War, when Germany and the USSR partitioned the country, with German forces entering Krakow in September 1939. Many academics were killed and historic relics and monuments were destroyed or looted. Concentration camps were established near Krakow, including Plaszow and Auschwitz. After German withdrawal, the city escaped complete destruction and many buildings were saved.In the Communist period, a large steel works was established in the suburb of Nowa Huta. This was seen as an attempt to lessen the influence of the anti-Communist intellegentsia and religious communities in Krakow. In 1978, UNESCO placed Krakow on the World Heritage Sites list. In the same year, the Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla, was made Pope John Paul II.The Communist Government collapsed in 1989 and Krakow is now undergoing another period of regeneration, with historic buildings being restored

Climate.

There are four definite seasons to Krakow — Summer being hot and humid (around 30-35°C). Winter always sees Krakow under a blanket of snow with bitingly cold days (-5 to -20 degrees C).

Auschwitz-Birkenau.

You can go and see Auschwitz-Birkenau Former German Nazi camp 2km outside city of Oświęcim, 65 km from Krakow.I have been here a few times,and it's ture no birds sing here.it really is a sad place to visit.

Wawel Castle.

the seat of Royalty for 500 years, and probably the most important historical site in Poland, is built atop a limestone hill on the bend of the Vistula River.Tour the Royal Chambers and you will be richly rewarded with astonishing detail. On the ceiling are the carved faces of 30 of Krakow’s townspeople from the Renaissance era, which are said to represent the voices of the people. The Baroque and Renaissance furnishings, and the famous 13th century Flemish tapestries decorating the walls are remarkable and are the finest examples of Renaissance art in Poland.

GETTING ROUND KRAKOW.

Buses and trams are the best way to get around after walking. If you need to take a taxi, they are easy to find, and it is cheaper to seek one out yourself than have your hotel call one for you.The central train station, Krakow Glowny, is a simple ten-minute walk from the Main Market Square.

Monday, 31 May 2010

Porthcurno was once an important place on the map.it was the centre of the world telecommunication and,until recently there was a trainning school for that industry to which people came from all over the world.The porthcurno Telegraphraph museum remains as a testament to the past.It incorporates tunnels well below the surface use to house top secret equipment during the 2nd world war.

porthcurno Beach.......is about three miles east of lands end on the south coast of the west cornwall. it faces south-east and lies in the western corner of lovely porthcurno bay.A wide footpath gently slopes down to the beach from a large car park around 200 yards above.

There is a cafe across the road from the car park and a restaurant not far away during the season.in the car park are the public toilets and a telephone.The sandy beach shelves quite swiftly.

On the cliffs to the west of porthcurno is the world famous Minack Theatre,this wonderful open air venue commands superb views across Porthcurno bay,with it's turquoise water and golden rocks,as far as Lizard.between may and september each year ,performances are given by a veriety of theatrical companies.An Exhibition centre tells the story of a variety of theatrical companies. An exhibition centre tells the story of how a village play in 1929 led to the seventeen week summer season now staged in the 150 seat auditorium.The Minack Theatre was the inspiration and the life's work of rowena cade.There is a cafe on the site and sub-tropical rockeries,based on the cliff garden developed here by Rowena cade in the 1930s.the salt-tolerant succulents thrive,despite the wind,providing an added dash of colour during the year.

Also there are many rewarding walks along the cliffs and coastal path from Porthcurno,westwards towards Porthgwarra and Land's End.

Sunday, 30 May 2010

Most hotels in Zakopane are located in the centre, which mainly means Krupowki Street. Staying in a centrally located hotel in Zakopane is a good choice if you want to feel the vibrant atmosphere of the town, enjoy comfortable accommodation in Zakopane and stunning views of the Tatra Mountains.

The longest pedestrian avenue in Poland, this sloping street is lined with good shops, cafes, nice restaurants, highlander houses made of wood and plenty of interesting attractions of Zakopane. Hotels in this area are very attractive and conveniently located. There are horse carriages instead of cars, a stream running down from a forest, and a great traditional market with cheese, furs and wooden furniture in the lower part of Krupowki. Some of the best hotels in Zakopane are located near this fashionable street, which is certainly the number-one location in the Polish Tatras.

Outside the area.

People who come for a short time tend to stay in the city centre, but Zakopane accommodation right on the mountain slopes or in the charming valleys are also extremely popular among the visitors of Zakopane. Hotels in this area are mostly chosen by visitors who come to enjoy nature, hiking or skiing. From a Zakopane hotel, situated in this location, you can also quickly get to Slovakia.

Zakopane is a hotel paradise. There are still not enough hotels in Zakopane to meet the demand in the high summer season, in December, January and in February. The best Zakopane hotels are booked out almost for the whole year and it is thus advisable to plan your stay in Zakopane hotels in advance. In winter it becomes "the winter capital of Poland" and the number of visitors increases. Come to see how deservedly popular Zakopane is and do not be afraid to venture into the beautiful Tatra Mountain.

I like this hotel......... Hotel Litwor..... Krupówki 40, 34-500 Zakopane

Staff always friendly and helpful,and the service is exceptional.

you can fly or drive to Zakopane in poland, i have done both...If you decide to fly to Zakopane you will need to fly to Katowice airport in the southen area of poland,then it's about two and an half hours be car...it's a good idea to rent a car for this from the airport.